Hi, I just was given a Honda CA77 Dream. I was told it is a 1961? The serial number on moter is #1023861. Can anyone tell me the year for sure and where would I find the frame numbers? I have not taken anything apart to look yet. Thanks in advance, Arnie

Interesting bike you have, Arnie. I find those old 'square' Hondas fascinating, but my friends think me wierd! Anyway, here is a page from an American book I have. You will see that the dates contradict Travs post. Me, I couldn't say either way, but 45 (ish) years old is pretty good going. You could try joining the VJMC. Bound to be some experts there. Keep us posted how you get on.

According to the Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide, the CA77 Dream Touring 305 was made from 1960 to 1969. A slight alteration to the gas tank shape in 1963 is the only change mentioned. See the rather sharply squared corner on the upper rear of the tank pad in RICHARD47's picture? That indicates a later model. On the earlier one, that corner was more round. Also, the front contour of the tank itself is sort of "top heavy" on the later bike while the early tank is more "bottom heavy".

I can't be of any help on the serial number. Apparently they were somewhat haphazardly assigned in the early days. On some models, year was included in the serial number. Sometimes the number of digits in the number changed over a multi-year production run. Yours has one more digit than shown in the Guide.

A superior rider uses superior judgment to avoid problems that would demand his superior skill.

RICHARD47 said...Interesting bike you have, Arnie. I find those old 'square' Hondas fascinating, but my friends think me wierd! Anyway, here is a page from an American book I have. You will see that the dates contradict Travs post. Me, I couldn't say either way, but 45 (ish) years old is pretty good going. You could try joining the VJMC. Bound to be some experts there. Keep us posted how you get on.

Trav, the book is one of the 'illustrated buyers guide' series and it is 'Classic Japanese Motorcycles'. Published by MBI publishing company. Classic Motorbooks, 729 Prospect Ave, PO Box 1, Osceola WI 54020-0001 1-800-826-6600. www.motorbooks.com

If you can't get one, I am sure they are still available at bike shows here. I'm going to the big show at Stafford in a few days, so I could get one to you.

Wow what a lucky guy! It looks like your bike is in pretty good condition for its age. I am working on getting my dads 1964 CA95 150cc running, they look very similar. On this web page (http://www.vjmc.org/techtips/carbondating.htm) it seems that your bike is a late 60's model, as 7 digit #'s didn't start until 1965.

I see the tank difference, as mentioned above.... mine is much more "bottom heavy".